Scratchy Throat and Cough

Scratchy throat is an extremely commonplace disease, but it can be annoying as it results in difficulty in swallowing, and fever in many cases. Sometimes one can experience scratchy throat due to cough. One also suffer from scratchy throat due to scratchy throat allergies. In most cases, scratchy throat and cough can be treated easily with remedies at home. Let us look at the remedies for scratchy throat and cough.

Remedies for Scratchy Throat and Cough

Listed below are some natural, allopathic and homeopathic remedies, you can try at home to get relief from scratchy throat and cough. One of my favorite scratchy throat remedies is the salt water gargle and lemon tea remedy.

Salt and Warm Water Gargling: This remedy for scratchy throat and cough, is very effective and is often suggested by doctors, in case of sore throat and dry cough. This remedy is suitable for adults and children. Boil two glasses of water in which 4 tablespoons of salt has been added. Wait till the solution is lukewarm, and then gargle with it. Repeat this remedy twice a day, at morning and evening. This remedy has no side effects, so you can gargle whenever you are troubled by scratchy throat and cough. This method is also a very good swollen tonsils remedy.

Lemon Tea Remedy: This is a very tasty and natural remedy for dry scratchy throat and cough. Boil 3/4 cup of water for two minutes. Add green tea and boil for 2 more minutes. Strain it into a cup and add the juice of one lemon to it. You can add honey or sugar for taste. Drink this preparation, 3 - 4 times in a day. Lemon is a good source of vitamin C, and combined with warm tea, your throat will heal faster. For children suffering from dry scratchy throat and cough, give only half a cup of lemon tea, twice in a day.

Garlic for Scratchy Throat and Cough: Garlic contains antibiotic and anti-fungal properties and is one of the best sore throat home remedies. Chew on 2 cloves of garlic in the morning and evening. However, the taste of garlic is extremely strong, which makes it difficult to chew. So, when you chew garlic, take 1 spoon of honey along with it. But be warned about the fact that eating garlic can make your breath smell.

Given, above were some of the natural and home remedies for scratchy throat and cough. Now, let us look at some effective allopathic remedies.

Cough Syrups: There are many cough syrups available over the counter. However, take care when buying a cough syrup, as some cough syrups make you drowsy. If you want you could opt for non-drowsy cough syrups too. If you are buying a cough syrup for dry cough in children, make sure that the label on the bottle says it is suitable for children. Use the cough syrup according to the instructions mentioned on the label. The normal dose of cough syrup is 2 spoons, twice a day.

Painkillers: If you are suffering from pain during scratchy throat and dry cough, take a painkiller like aspirin or ibuprofen. If you are suffering from scratchy throat and coughing problems during night, the painkiller will also help you sleep.

These, were some allopathic remedies for scratchy throat and cough. Cough syrups are good for long time relief. Painkillers should be taken only by adults. Homeopathy has several remedies that are effective medicines for scratchy throat and cough. Here are a few of them.

Coltsfoot for Scratchy Throat and Dry Cough: Coltsfoot reduces the urge to cough. Make a tea with 2 teaspoons of coltsfoot and 1 cup of water, and drink it 3 times a day, for two consecutive days. Coltsfoot works as an expectorant, that is, it helps spit out the cough. Avoid this remedy, if you are on low blood pressure medication or allergic to plants like chamomile.

Myrrh Gargle Remedy: Myrrh is antimicrobial and helps to soothe the mucous membranes. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Add half a teaspoon of Myrrh to 2 cups of water and gargle with this solution. After gargling, swallow it. You can repeat this 3 - 4 times a day, till you feel better. Myrrh gargle has a cleansing effect and helps in coughing up phlegm.

Important Tips for Scratchy Throat and Cough Remedies

Here are some important tips, you should follow with the above remedies. These tips, will help you heal faster during dry cough treatment.

• Whenever suffering from scratchy throat and cough, make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Drink pineapple fruit juice blended with a piece of ginger root and drink 2 - 3 liters of plain water daily.
• Also try and increase your intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to heal scratchy throat and cough faster. You can either eat vitamin C supplements or eat vitamin C rich food.
• Avoid eating any spicy, cold or oily food. These foods will further aggravate scratchy throat and coughing.
• Along with the above remedies, inhaling steam will also provide you with instant relief from scratchy throat and cough.
• Carry some throat lozenges, in your bag or purse when suffering from scratchy throat and cough. They give quick but temporary relief. Lozenges are safe for children to use.
• If you are showing extremely severe symptoms when suffering from scratchy throat and cough like, high fever, difficulty in swallowing, blood in saliva, headache, etc. immediately seek medical care.

One can easily get relief with the use of any of the above scratchy throat and cough remedies. However, if you don't find relief with the above remedies within 2 weeks, consult a doctor.